spite of my light air; and if the future is only like the present I'll
be satisfied.

_Poirier_--But you are too sensible to think that the honeymoon can last
forever.

_Gaston_--Too sensible, and too good an astronomer. But you've probably
read Heine?

_Poirier_--You must have read that, Verdelet?

_Verdelet_--Yes; I've read him.

_Poirier_--Perhaps he spent his life at playing truant.

_Gaston_--Well, Heine, when he was asked what became of the old full
moons, said that they were broken up to make the stars.

_Poirier_--I don't understand.

_Gaston_--When our honeymoon is old, we'll break it up and there'll be
enough to make a whole Milky Way.

_Poirier_--That is a clever idea, of course.

_Gaston_--Its only merit is simplicity.

_Poirier_--But seriously, don't you think that the idle life you lead
may jeopardize the happiness of a young household?